[only1asterisk]

My little brother is an apprentice cabinetmaker of some skill. He has shown some interest in learning to make stocks & grips. I’m going to get Al Linden’s stock making books for him as a birthday gift. Any ideas for other related reading material? If he decides to give it a try, I'll give him a project to try. Most people seem to think that a semi-inlet is better for a first try than starting from a blank. I have seen comments both for and against every semi-inlet stock maker out there. Is there any maker that is any better than the others? I’d also like specific suggestions for the required specialized tools.

Thanks for you help,

David

[HankL]

I would agree that a semi-inlet stock would be a good starting point. From a woodworking point of view gun stocks and cabinets have very little in common.
I have used Fajen and Richard's Microfit stocks with sucess. I would suggest stating with a Richard's stock in Grade A semi fancy Claro Walnut.
You should end up with a very nice looking stock without investing a lot of money on the first project that will be worth the investment in time.
Your brother probably has rasp and other wood working tools that will be needed. Uncommon tools would be: stockmakers screws, barrel channel inletting tools and perhaps some small scrapers. He will need some inletting black as well.
HTH

[only1asterisk]

I have to profess ignorance in what woodworking skills apply to what, but I after seeing his work I'm not afraid to turn over a $200 stick to him for his first try. I've seen some furniture legs he's carved and I don't think I'll be disappointed. Hell, I've been thinking to try it myself and I don't have the enough woodworking skills to make my projects recognizable when complete.
Me: What do you think?

Wife: Uh, what is it?

Me: A rabbit hutch!

Wife: Oh! Yeah, ok. I kind of see it.


I'm a better plumber and a better rifle shot!



David

[SuicideKing]

I too would recommend a semi-inletted stock for the first try....

I would say however that it may not pose the challenge you are looking for.

I make my stocks and grips out of Black Walnut for the most part... its a great looking wood.. and really nice to work with.

I use power tools as little as possible when making my stocks... I only use a jigsaw to cut out the basic shape from a blank... then I use a dremel with a router attachment to do my inletting.

Everything else is all chisel and hand plane work.

Patience is the most needed tool of all.

[Coltdriver]

I have just ordered a walnut stock for a Ruger #1. The stock will come in semi inletted form and will need finish sanding and final fitting of the butt plate and barrel.

In talking with one of the fellows who finishes very fine stocks he told me one of the best tools in his bag for completing the inletting was just a bottle opener (church key) that he had sharpened the pointed edge on by beveling one side.

He said all of the other tools he had acquired were generally a little on the light side. He advised me to put away the dremel with the stock I would receive and that hand sanding and fitting were all that were necessary.

He told me that one of his skilled craft people could finish sand a stock in about a day and a half.

If you want to see some of this fellows work and check some very reasonable prices for some beautiful wood go to:

www.gunstocks.com